Trolleite is named after the Norwegian geologist Hans Trolle, who discovered the mineral in 1899. It is found in various locations around the world, including Brazil, Norway, Sweden, Australia, and the United States.
Trolleite is a rare phosphate mineral that is composed of a combination of elements including iron, aluminum, phosphorus, and oxygen. Its chemical formula is Al4(PO4)3(OH)3·5(H2O). Trolleite is often found in association with other minerals such as quartz, tourmaline, and lepidolite.
Trolleite's crystal structure is monoclinic, which means that its crystal system is characterized by three unequal axes and an oblique angle between two of them. It has a hardness of 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a relatively hard mineral. Trolleite is typically found in granite pegmatites, which are large, coarse-grained igneous rocks that contain minerals such as feldspar, mica, and quartz. These rocks are formed when magma cools slowly, allowing the crystals to grow to a large size. Trolleite is also found in hydrothermal veins, which are formed when hot water circulates through fractures in rocks and deposits minerals.
What Does Trolleite Look Like?
Trolleite material typically appears in various shades of blue and green, ranging from pale and soft pastel hues to vibrant and saturated tones. The color is caused by the presence of iron in its chemical composition, which can vary in concentration and oxidation state.
The color of trolleite can also vary depending on the lighting conditions and the angle from which it is viewed. In addition to blue and green, trolleite can also exhibit other colors such as white, gray, brown and purple due to the presence of impurities or other minerals present in the surrounding rock. These additional colors can create interesting patterns and textures within the trolleite material.
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